Tape seems to be popular again. It’s only been a short while since we saw Klevgränd brings us DAW Cassette, and now MSXII delivers Fly-Tape. The app is apparently a unique take on some of the aspects about tape that the developers love but also adds unique features that are enjoyable.
The Fly Tape app runs as an iOS AUv3 FX plugin, and is designed for use within host apps such as Garageband, Beatmaker 3, Cubasis, Audiobus.
A user can add FX to their incoming audio signals in many ways “on the Fly.” Sliders for textured nuances such as hiss & pitch will allow you to dial in tasteful settings that can become reminiscent of cassette tapes. These also can be automated via midi cc for additional modulation.
Fly Tape FX:
Fly Tape includes numerous touch based FX. These FX also release upon button release to enhance the performance experience. Additionally, some FX have more settings upon a quick, double-tap of the effect.
Play Button
- Will start audio (demo drum loop) in standalone mode
- Disabled while in plugin mode
Stop Button
- Will stop playing audio with a scrubbing, slow down effect
- Release will resume audio
Pause Button
- A simple audio mute. Useful for drops in performance
- Release will resume audio
Bypass Switch
- Bypass Fly-Tape audio effect unit as a whole
Noise Slider
- Gradual increase of “hiss” simulation from left to right
Pitch Slider
- Gradual detuning of audio from left (normal) to right (-.50 cents)
Half-Speed FX Button
- Plays audio at half-speed
- Normal playback resumes on release
- Half-Speed will stay in time with current host tempo
Saturate Button
- 2 saturation modes “Clean” & “Gritty” available
- Quick double tap will prompt small menu option
- Release will resume normal audio without effect
Lofi Button
- 3 lofi modes “70’s”, “80’s”, and “90’s” available
- Quick double tap will prompt small menu option
- Release will resume normal audio without effect
Loop Button
- Reverses and loops audio while pressed
- Release will resume normal audio without effect
Stutter Button
- 8 stutter quantize settings available
- Quick double tap will prompt small menu option
- Settings available are 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/8T, 1/16, 1/16T, 1/32, 1/64
- Stutter is immediate upon press, release will resume audio without effect
Tips:
FX buttons can be chained in unique ways to deliver awesome results such as Lofi “70’s –> Saturate “Clean” –> Half-Speed.
All parameters of Fly Tape can be mapped in your favorite hosts. For example, you can map the Noise & Pitch sliders to faders or knobs on your favorite midi controller.
Fly Tape’s Midi CC values are listed below:
Bypass: 102
Pitch: 103
Noise: 104
Tape Stop: 106
Mute (Pause): 107
Half-Speed: 108
Saturate: 109
Lofi: 110
Loop: 111
Stutter: 112
Fly-Tape is available on the app store and costs $5.99